Do I Need to Water My Trees?

Posted on September 30, 2022 by Completetree

One of the most important parts of taking care of your trees is to make sure they have adequate water. This is especially true for newly planted trees and young trees. Tree watering is an essential factor in the health and longevity of your landscaping trees; and since trees provide a wide range of benefits and increase property value, it is in your best interest as a homeowner to invest more time and care into your property. It would be difficult to suggest an exact amount of watering for your trees, but with this helpful guide, you will have the knowledge necessary to grow happy, healthy trees.

Continue reading to learn about tree watering, plus where to look for professional tree care solutions when you need it.

Tree Care Indianapolis Indiana 317-783-2518

Tree Watering Tips

New or Young Trees

A newly planted tree will require a different level of tree care and watering compared to an older tree. After a new tree is planted, it is important to water it immediately. Continue watering regularly over the next two years of its life. During this time, young trees are exerting a lot of energy to establish strong root systems in the soil. Spring and summer will call for more water than fall since your young tree will have a harder time dealing with drought and heat.

Mulching your trees helps to keep the soil moist and protect your tree’s roots from damage. As for watering, keep in mind that too much water can be just as harmful as not having enough. Soggy soil is too saturated, while damp soil still allows adequate oxygen to permeate the soil and feed the root system. So, it is important to use just the right amount to keep your trees in good health.

How to Water a Tree

It is important to water a tree correctly. Deeply water them for one minute with a garden hose. Avoid using sprinklers since wet bark can be damaging and problematic to a tree. How often you should do this depends on the amount of moisture in the soil. To check, use your garden trowel to penetrate the soil 2 inches deep. Pry the soil back, creating a small narrow trench. Then simply feel the soil and assess how moist it is. If it is dry, it will require more water. If it is wet or damp. It is good for the day!

Are you looking for Fall and winter tree care service for your landscaping trees? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for licensed and insured Indianapolis tree services you can trust. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Facts About Over-Watering and Under-Watering Trees

Posted on May 13, 2020 by Completetree

Unlike our own species, trees do have voices they can use to tell us they need more water or have had enough. For this reason, it is important to be the voice of trees, and learn what signs they exhibit to let us know their watering needs. Continue reading to learn the common signs of over-watered and under-watered trees, and what you can do to help a suffering tree.

Tree Watering Basics

The general rule of thumb for water trees varies depending on the age, species, condition, and location of a tree. For instance, newly-planted and transplanted trees should be watered regularly enough so that the top 12 inches of soil remains moist to the touch. This averages out to around 4 to 8 gallons per week. Mature trees needn’t regular watering, and instead, should just be properly mulched and watered during dry spells. For sick trees, watering should be increased, or as instructed by a licensed arborist.

Since tree watering needs vary on species, location, climate, season, and more, there is really no way of establishing a universal rule of thumb. However, you can learn how to spot the signs of over-watering and under-watering a tree. This knowledge can help you take better care of your trees, and respond to nutritional issues early on, before they can turn fatal for your trees.

Signs of an Over-Watered Tree:

☙ The base of the tree is always wet to the touch. Although the mulch bed surrounding the base of the tree should retain moisture at all times, there should also be a period of the day when the mulch is dry on top. If the mulch is always wet, even when other mulch beds and tree bases are dry, it could mean it has been given too much water.

☙ Blooms do not grow to size. If the blooms, flowers, or fruits on your tree do not fully-bloom, and instead wither and drop, it could mean that they are getting too much water. If the blooms turn light green or yellow in color, it could also mean over-watering.

☙ Green leaves are fragile and break off. If your tree sprouts foliage that is green, yet break off easily to the touch, it could be there is an over-watering issue. If you notice a pile of green leaves around the base of your tree, it may signify the same issue.

Signs of an Under-Watered Tree:

The signs of an under-watered tree are quite similar to those of an over-watered tree. So be sure you look closely to see the difference. Common signs include:

☙ Leaf Wilting or Curling
☙ Browning Edges or Tips on Leaves
☙ Thin or Thinning Canopy
☙ Under-Sized Leaves
☙ Off-Color Leaves
☙ Premature Fall Color Changing

☛ QUICK TIP: Can you stick a screwdriver into the ground below your tree? If you cannot do so easily or at all, your tree definitely needs more water!

Indianapolis Tree Service Professionals Who Can Help

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional Indianapolis tree service you can trust. We serve all of Central Indiana with a wide range of skilled tree removal and tree care services, for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you need a single tree removed, or simply require routine tree service, like trimming or pruning, we can deliver prompt and professional service at a fair price. Request a free estimate, today.

How to Water a New Tree

Posted on May 3, 2017 by Completetree

If you have recently planted a new tree in your landscape, it is important to provide it with the proper care and attention it needs to thrive, and ultimately, reach full maturity. When trees are young or new, they require a different care regimen compared to an established tree, especially more water. For this reason, it is important to familiarize yourself with some new tree after-care facts.

Continue reading to learn how you should be caring for your new tree.

Water is Key

The most important aspect in caring for new trees is water. Newly-planted trees do not yet have a fully-grown root system, making it harder to take in the levels of water needed to survive. Because of their premature, lacking root system, new trees require a lot more watering. It is better to water deeper, and less often, as opposed to watering often, but not deep enough. Sprinkler systems do not provide the adequate amount of water a new tree needs, so be sure to always use a garden hose and nozzle attachment.

How to Water

Before you set out to water your new tree, check the moisture level of the surrounding soil. You will need to check the soil closest to the root ball of the tree (4 to 6 inches deep), so you will need a shovel to move around mulch and dirt. If the soil around the root ball is quite moist, wait to water the tree.

Check back the next day or the day after. If the soil is cool and slightly moist, it is time to water. You do not want to wait until the soil is dry. Water deeply every few days, checking the soil moisture levels before you start. Deep water can keep soil moist for a week or longer, so always check the soil before you water.

Seasonal Watering

If it is wintertime, the natural precipitation levels are adequate enough to provide a tree with the proper amounts of water. That is because trees are dormant in the winter, and require less sunlight, nutrients, and water to survive.

Indianapolis Tree Service Contractors

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for experienced Indianapolis tree service you can trust. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree work, including tree removal, trimming, pruning, stump removal, lot clearing, and more. Call 317-783-2518 to request a free estimate, today.